years of long-term residency

Green Visa in the UAE

Avail a 5-year UAE residency as a skilled professional, freelancer, or investor—no employer sponsorship required.

What are the Benefits?

5-Year Renewable Residency

The UAE Green Visa allows for a renewable 5-year residency, bringing peace of mind and added stability to professionals and investors in Dubai.

No Employer Sponsorship Required

Unlike standard work permits, Dubai’s green visa is on a self-sponsorship basis, offering greater freedom to freelancers, professionals, and investors in the UAE.



Family Sponsorship Included

You can sponsor your spouse, children (below 25 years of age), and unmarried daughters using your green visa application, which makes it easy to move with loved ones.

6-Month Grace Period

The UAE Green Visa benefits incorporate a more spacious 6-month grace period after cancellation or expiration, far superior to standard UAE visas.

Freedom to Change Jobs or Work Independently

You can switch jobs or be self-employed without a local sponsor, so the UAE Green Visa is ideal for career mobility and freelancing professionals.

Gateway to Golden Visa

Meeting enhanced needs while holding a green visa can qualify you for the much sought-after UAE Golden Visa, which offers even greater benefits for permanent residence.

What is the Green Visa in Dubai?

The Dubai green visa is a long-term residency scheme introduced by the UAE government as part of initiatives to attract high-skilled workers, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and investors. Unlike traditional visas, the green visa in the UAE allows individuals to sponsor themselves without the backing of an employer, providing them with greater independence and flexibility

The green visa is designed to support the country’s vision for a diversified economy and provides a 5-year renewable residency, making it a more appealing choice than short-term work permits.

Your eligibility, for the green visa application in the UAE, is determined by your professional status. The skilled workers need to meet salary and educational requirements, while freelancers need to acquire permits from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The green visa for investors in the UAE requires proof of investment in a UAE-established business or startup, along with the approval of concerned authorities.

One of the key UAE Green Visa benefits is the ability to sponsor family members, including children up to age 25 and unmarried daughters of any age. Additionally, the visa grants a 6-month grace period after expiry or cancellation, much longer than regular visas, allowing more time to adjust or renew your status.
The UAE Green Visa cost starts from AED 2,000, not including Emirates ID or medical test fees. Each case may vary to some degree depending on the applicant’s category and supporting documents.

Overall, the process of applying for a UAE Green Visa is straightforward but requires careful preparation of documents, especially for investors and freelancers. It is a great choice of residency for those interested in building a stable, long-term business or career in the UAE.

Whether you are a freelancer or a remote worker, the Dubai Green Visa is your gateway to long-term success in the UAE.



Who Can Apply for the Green Visa in UAE?

Freelancers and Self-Employed Individuals

Ideal for creatives, consultants, and digital nomads, this visa allows self-sponsorship. You’ll need a freelance license and proof of income to apply for a green visa in the UAE.

Skilled Employees

Professionals earning AED 15,000+ per month with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree qualify under this category. It is one of the most popular ways to obtain the Dubai Green Visa for employed residents.

Investors and Business Partners

The green visa for investors in the UAE is tailor-made for individuals who have invested in commercial activities. You’ll need to show proof of business ownership or partnership.

Entrepreneurs

Planning to launch or grow a startup in the UAE? Entrepreneurs can apply for the UAE Green Visa and benefit from self-sponsorship and the ability to hire talent.

Highly Qualified Professionals

These include proficiency in fields like tech, science, education, and culture. With qualifications and earnings, they are eligible for UAE Green Visa privileges like 5-year residence and family sponsorship.

What are the requirements?

UAE Green Visa Categories

1. Green Visa for Skilled Workers

Requirement Description
Employment Contract Must have a valid contract with a UAE-based employer.
MOHRE Classification Occupation must fall under MOHRE's skill levels 1–3.
Educational Qualification Bachelor’s degree or higher is required.
Minimum Salary AED 15,000 per month or more.

2. Green Visa for Freelancers & Self-Employed Individuals

Requirement Description
Freelance Permit Must obtain a freelance/self-employment permit from MOHRE.
Portfolio or Contracts Evidence of freelance work such as contracts or projects.
Educational Qualification Diploma or higher educational background is required.
Income or Solvency Proof of AED 360,000 income in last 2 years or financial solvency.

3. Green Visa for Investors & Business Partners

Requirement Description
Proof of Investment Must show investment in a UAE-registered business.
Business Activity Must demonstrate ongoing active business or partnership.
Official Endorsement Endorsement or approval from UAE local authorities is required.

Process of Applying for the Green Visa in the UAE

Timeline: 2 to 4 weeks

Step 01 - Takes 1 day

Choose Your Eligibility Category 

Decide if you're applying as a skilled worker, freelancer, or investor in the UAE. Each category has its own requirements.

Step 02 - Takes 1 to 2 days

Apply Online 

Visit the ICP Portal or GDRFA website to begin your green visa application. Choose the right visa type to fit your profile.

Step 03 - Takes 2 to 3 days

Prepare and Upload Documents 

Upload required documents like:

  • Passport copy
  • Personal photo
  • Educational documents
  • Financial reports or investment/freelance permits

This applies to all UAE Green Visa categories.

Step 04 - Takes 1 day

Pay the Green Visa UAE Fee 

The fee typically starts from AED 2,000. Your UAE Green Visa fee can vary depending on visa duration and category.

Step 05 - Takes 1 to 2 days

Get Medical and Biometrics done 

Undergo a medical fitness test and complete Emirates ID fingerprinting. This step is required to finalize the green visa application process.

Step 06 - Takes 1 to 2 weeks

Receive Your Visa

Once approved, you’ll receive your UAE Green Visa and can officially begin your 5-year residency journey.